Lodi receives $500,000 grant for storm sewer improvements

LODI — Lodi has received a $500,000 state grant for storm sewer improvements as the village prepares for several infrastructure projects next year. Mayor Robert Geissman announced the grant during the Village Council meeting on Monday. The funding will go toward storm sewer work intended to keep water from crossing Prospect Street. The project is expected to improve drainage, reduce flooding and benefit an estimated 2,840 people, according to the Ohio Department of Development. Lodi received the funding through the state's Community Development Block Grant Critical Infrastructure program, but was not selected for a separate Neighborhood Revitalization grant. Geissman said village officials plan to meet with a state representative to review the unsuccessful application and identify ways to strengthen it before applying again next year. The village must first negotiate and sign the contract for the critical infrastructure grant. The storm sewer project is among several planned or under-consideration infrastructure improvements. Plans for the coming year include sidewalk improvements on Ohio, Gaylord and Legion streets, funded through an earlier grant. The village is also seeking funding to repave Ohio and May streets. Although the paving projects received support at the district level, the committee still needs to take additional action. Geissman also said waterline work is expected this winter, and a culvert on Redfield Street will be replaced. Two additional projects, further work on Redfield Street and a separate $500,000 waterline project, were the village's highest-scoring submissions at the district level and are being forwarded to the state for consideration through the Ohio Public Works Commission. State funding for those projects has not yet been approved. If the state approves funding, the village hopes to continue the next phase of work on Redfield Street. Geissman said the number of planned or under-consideration projects will keep village utility crews busy in the coming year. Contact Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.